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Learning and growing through group interventions

The Social Work provides weekly social work interventions at a school for learners with special needs.  Learners, presenting with various behavioral problems in their classes are identified by the educators and then referred to the Social Worker.  The social work does an assessment with each child to better understand the learner as a holistic being, current challenges, and factors that might have contributed to it.  Learners are seen for individual and family counselling, support group therapy and / or referrals to other relevant stakeholders to deal with specific aspects that required specialized services.

Recently a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group was formed by the social worker to help teenage learners with their challenges and inappropriate behaviors in the classroom.  The group consisted of 8 members who agreed to joining the group. Over several weeks, the group focused on issues of self-awareness (including strengths and weaknesses), fostering self-confidence, how to be a better communicator (including learning communication skills), problem solving skills, regulating emotions, inclusivity in the classrooms, and organization skills.  

The group was successful in meeting its goals of  improving individual member’s behavior and academic progress;  promoting social change; encouraging critical thinking and developing more positive relationships with each other.   By the end of the group the learners were showing empathy and respect towards each other and themselves.   

They were reluctant to terminate with the sessions as they greatly benefitted. Children with disabilities, like all children can benefit immensely from programmes and interventions tailored for their needs.  Given time, energy and resources, the trajectory of their lives can be changed for the better.

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